Ferrari could announce Le Mans foray – report

It is already known that the Maranello marque’s lead formula one driver, Fernando Alonso, will be the special guest starter of the fabled 24 hour endurance race this weekend.

Ferrari announced last month that the Spaniard was invited to wave the flag at Le Mans following “several comments president (Luca di) Montezemolo has made relating to the technology and car development linked to this event”.

“It (Le Mans) is one of a handful of races that has defined the history of motor sport,” Alonso was quoted as saying.

Ferrari has also been highly critical of F1’s developmental direction recently.

And last year, the now-ousted team boss Stefano Domenicali said the sport’s new turbo V6 engines “would allow some interesting projects”.

“At the moment I cannot say more,” he added in mid 2013.

Ferrari quoted Alonso as saying last month ahead of his Le Mans visit: “I’m keen to check out the details on this type of car.

“In formula one, we have also entered the hybrid era and I am curious to find out more about the working methods and technology involved in this series.”

Spain’s El Mundo Deportivo is now reporting speculation that Ferrari could announce its return to Le Mans with a ‘LMP1’ prototype car foray on Saturday.

Correspondent Raymond Blancafort said organisers of the famous 24 hour race are already flagging a “very important announcement” to be made before the 2014 race start on that day.